ELDER’S PROJECT VIRTUAL EXPERIENCE
February 21, 2021 @ 2:00PM
In 2021, National Black Arts programming theme “Rising Above” explores how we collectively collaborate and ascend in unity. We are excited to present, Sowing the Imagination, in partnership with Freedom Park Conservancy. This is a virtual experience that gives a behind the scenes look at the creation of the site-specific temporary art installation at Freedom Park by Masud Olufani as well as an exclusive performance and original composition “Elder Roots and Tree” by Okorie “Okcello” Johnson. Calinda Lee from the National Center for Civil and Human Rights will lead a powerful discussion with the artists and with renowned historian, Nasir Muhammed.
This is an experience that explores the past to plant seeds of hope and build an equitable path forward.
2020 Programming Recap
NBAF’s STUDY HALL for FILMMAKERS
“Break Into the Industry”
NBAF’s “THRILLER NIGHTS” DRIVE IN FILM FESTIVAL
October 30th & November 1st 2020
NBAF’s “AMARE’ (to love)” DRIVE IN FILM FESTIVAL – JULY 23 & 24, 2020
A Drive-In Ft. Black Filmmakers in Atlanta Celebrating Love, Joy, Community and Blackness
2020 Virtual Programming Recap
NBAF is now offering weekly programs hosted by talented artists in our community. As part of the NBAForward campaign, these virtual programs highlight our commitment to provide a platform for artists to do what they do best. Featuring virtual classes by art professionals, live entertainment jam sessions, and timely forums dedicated to helping artists save, rethink and innovate, these virtual programs are geared toward black artists and all that they do behind the scenes to bring art to life. See below for the calendar of events.






Artist Project Fund







With the uneasiness we all feel surrounding COVID19, it is NBAF’s priority to ensure that our community doesn’t go without resources during times of a national crisis. As a result, NBAF (National Black Arts) launched an Artist Project Fund starting at $5,000 to support Black Artists in getting back to work and thus provide for their households. It is our hope to sustain this fund month over month through your support by adding new donors, corporate sponsors and community partners so that we can support black artists in Atlanta and eventually nationwide. We will award small stipends to artists to navigate through these difficult times and continue to support our artist community in creating the work that makes our world so vibrant!
Click the button below to learn more about recent recipients of the Artist Project Fund.

With the support of this community, NBAF was able to provide 15 artists, like Jessica Udeh (featured above), with small stipends in April to help them continue their work.
Jessica Udeh is an Igbo-American self-taught visual + sound artist and creative director. She is also the founder of CHIAMAKA.STUDIO, a virtual art archive and conceptual design studio. Jessica’s practice is mixed/multimedia with a focus on collaging and soundscaping.
Click here to see more of Jessica’s artwork
Please consider supporting us in this effort at the link below.

We are especially grateful to our premiere sponsor, Warner Media & AT&T for their generous $25,000 donation to The Artist Project Fund.
Additional corporate donors that have helped us in this effort are: Annie E. Casey Foundation, Community Foundation and JP Morgan Private Bank.
If you are an artist who needs assistance on a project that’s been impacted by COVID-19, please apply below: